JUMA Communications’ Managing Director, Andrew McLachlan, on Bridging the Gap Between Radio and Broadband PTT
As industries move beyond traditional radio networks, broadband push-to-talk (PTT) and mission-critical applications are reshaping how teams communicate. With the rollout of 4G and 5G networks and platforms such as WAVE, AGNET, and Streamwide’s Team on Mission, organisations across public safety, transport and industry are rethinking what reliable, real-time communication looks like.
The Critical Communications Review (TCCR) sat down with Andrew McLachlan, Managing Director of JUMA Communications, to discuss how this shift is unfolding and how JUMA is helping customers transition confidently into the broadband era.
TCCR: How is broadband push-to-talk changing the critical communications landscape?
Andrew McLachlan: For decades, radio networks have been the backbone of mission-critical communication. They’re proven, resilient and familiar. But as organisations demand richer collaboration, video, messaging, location sharing…we’re seeing a shift towards broadband solutions that can deliver all of that while maintaining the immediacy of radio.
Broadband PTT and mission-critical platforms are making it possible for control rooms, field teams and support staff to share information seamlessly across devices and geographies. It’s a natural evolution, the same reliability, but far greater capability.
TCCR: What challenges do organisations face when transitioning from radio to broadband?
Andrew McLachlan: The biggest challenge is operational, not technical. People in the field are used to the tactile feel of a push-to-talk button, the simplicity of one-touch communication. You can’t replace that with a touchscreen app and expect it to work in a high-pressure environment.
That’s where accessories come in. Rugged, purpose-built devices bring the familiarity of radio to broadband. Accessories such as speaker microphones with programmable PTT and emergency buttons. They make broadband usable in the real world.
TCCR: JUMA recently launched a USB-C speaker microphone. What makes this product significant?
Andrew McLachlan: We designed the USB-C speaker microphone specifically to bridge the gap between radio and broadband. It connects directly to Android devices via USB-C and provides the same durability, clarity and reliability users expect from a professional radio accessory.
It includes programmable buttons, an emergency trigger, talk-group toggling and discreet audio options. It’s IP67-rated for harsh conditions, lightweight, and tested across a range of devices. Right now, it’s optimised for the Motorola LEX-11 running WAVE, but we’re expanding compatibility to other platforms and smartphones.
For us, it’s not about replacing radio; it’s about giving customers flexibility. Whether they’re using PoC apps or mission-critical broadband systems, they can operate with confidence.
TCCR: What’s next for broadband communication accessories?
Andrew McLachlan: We’re moving towards a more hybrid environment where radio and broadband coexist. That’s going to require accessories that work seamlessly across both worlds.
At JUMA, we’re working closely with partners and end-users to make sure our products evolve with their needs. The goal is to deliver hardware that’s as rugged and intuitive as radio but ready for the future of broadband.
It’s an exciting time and we’re seeing real innovation in how communication technology supports frontline operations. For us, the focus is on reliability, simplicity and long-term compatibility.
As broadband becomes the new backbone of mission-critical communication, JUMA Communications are ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of reliability. Their work in bridging radio and broadband technology is helping industries modernise without compromising the trust built over decades of dependable communication.
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